Air passenger duty should be scrapped on all long haul flights to boost Scotland’s economy and save passengers hundreds of pounds, the Conservatives have said.
Murdo Fraser, the shadow finance secretary, unveiled plans to remove the air travel tax on flights further than 2,000 miles when it is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Government welcomed the policy and said SNP ministers “look forward to persuading Parliament as a whole on this.”
In its 2016 election manifesto, the SNP pledged to half APD, starting in April 2018 and being delivered in full by 2021.
It also added: “Air Passenger Duty will be abolished entirely when resources allow.”
Edinburgh Airport also backed the announcement but opposition parties on the left of Scottish politics savaged the idea.
Mr Fraser argued such a move would incentivise airlines to provide new direct links from Scotland to America, China and other global destinations and reduce the need for families and businesses to travel through London’s airports.
The new Tory policy forms part of the party’s economic strategy ahead of Brexit.
Mr Fraser said: “It is more important than ever to use these powers to go global, so we can create new jobs, deliver more opportunities, and build a stronger economy.
“Abolishing APD for long-haul flights has the potential to do just that for Scotland. Airlines will be incentivised to put on new direct long-haul flights from Scotland.
“That means instead of having to go via London or Amsterdam, families and businesses would be able to get on a plane in Edinburgh or Glasgow and fly direct to China or the USA, or other global destinations.
“This is a win-win. It makes thing more convenient for travellers, it helps with our carbon footprint by reducing the number of connecting flights, and it will boost tourism and trade.”
Analysis by the Conservatives suggests a reduction in APD can assist in boosting exports, strengthening international links and help promote Scotland as a more attractive and competitive tourist destination.
It says the changes would cost £145 million. Currently APD for more than 2,000 miles costs £75 at the reduced rate and £150 for the standard rate.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This is a move in the right direction and we look forward to persuading Parliament as a whole on this. UK APD has been the most expensive tax of its kind in Europe and continues to act as a barrier to Scotland’s ability to secure new direct international services and maintain existing ones.
”Our plan to cut APD by 50% by the end of the Parliament, and then abolish it when public finances permit, is a fundamental component to improving Scotland’s international connectivity – which is particularly important in light of the economic uncertainty caused by the outcome of the EU referendum.”
And Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive, added: “This is a positive step by Ruth Davidson’s party and we warmly welcome the recognition that international connectivity is a key driver for Scotland’s economy.
“We now look forward to the Scottish Government coming forward with their plans and timetable which should back this position and also include the abolition – or substantial reduction – of APD on all international routes to and from Scotland, not just destinations over 2000 miles.”
But Willie Rennie, leader of the Liberal Democrats, accused the Tories of “walking away from the environment”.
He added: “This is the latest u-turn from the Scottish Conservatives as they abandon the centre ground that they promised to voters and move themselves rightwards.”
Labour’s transport spokesman Neil Bibby said: “It’s not surprising that rather than presenting a strong opposition to the SNP government, the Tories are getting set to do a backroom deal with the SNP to give a tax cut that will disproportionately benefit the people at the top.”
John Finnie MSP, the Scottish Greens’ transport spokesman, said: “The Tories and the SNP must remember that if we are to meet our climate change objectives, as made clear in the Paris Agreement, it’s inconceivable we can do that while scrapping APD.”
